Want to apply for OAC? Know the requirements you need to meet!
1. You Must Own a YouTube Channel
You need to have a YouTube channel that shows you are the artist. It should not belong to a record label or company.
2. You Must Have Official Music on YouTube
You need at least one song or music video that is officially released. This music should be uploaded through a music distributor or your label. It must be available on YouTube Music and may show up on a Topic Channel.
3. Your Music Must Be Distributed by a YouTube Partner
Your songs should be sent to YouTube by a music distributor who works with YouTube Music. Some examples are:
TuneCore
DistroKid
CD Baby
Believe
AWAL
Your record label
4. Your Channel Must Follow YouTube Rules
Your channel must not have copyright problems or rule violations. It should be active and in good standing.
Conditions to Merge with a Topic Channel
To combine your main YouTube channel with your auto-generated Topic channel:
Both channels must use the same artist name
The Topic channel must include your official music
You must own the main channel and be clearly recognized as the artist
What You Get with an Official Artist Channel
After you get approved for the OAC:
Your official music and your own uploads appear on one channel
A music note appears next to your channel name
New tabs will be added like Music, Albums, and Live
You will have more control over how your music appears on YouTube
How to Get the Official Artist Channel
You cannot apply for an OAC by yourself unless:
You are working with a music distributor that partners with YouTube
You are supported by a record label or a YouTube Artist Manager
Most artists ask their distributor (like DistroKid or TuneCore) to help them claim the Official Artist Channel. If you already meet the rules and still do not have it, you can contact your distributor and request it.
